It bothers me when

I'm playing an online game (not live), launch a complex attack that I'm not sure is sound, and the opponent just drops off the face of the earth and loses on time. Not the way I want a game to end! It's happened twice on the 3 games I've played with people who are not "friends". (The other was a guy who never responded on move 1.)

I'm new here, so I don't know, but is this a common occurrence? How can I avoid playing players who do this?

I don't think you can.  Every game is unique.  Some pan out & others don't.  And for my money, there is nothing wrong with winning on time.  

It's not uncommon for new members to start a game then just give up and time ouut without making a move. Other than that, it happens occasionally but it's pretty rare.

I have to ask....ever, ever, way back when, did you ever time out, kaynight? 

...never deliberately. But it happens, doesn't it?

New members suffers a lot

:)

...old members suffer a bit too. Which helps. 

Old people may just forget they're even playing....and "nothing" stopped surprizing me when I turned a'O 30. Or they're using you in their own little simultaneous exhibition....and they're overwhelmed.

....and I hope you're keeping well Marco !........

I'm not very good on the never time out front.  I know, I know.   Usually it's on purpose, sometimes I just never made it back in time for what ever excuse.  

Always happy to cross your path, Ghostess....it's been ages. 

OTB is best.

Thanks for the responses. Guess it's just part of the territory.